The biggest music industry news | June 2025
EU artist earnings, social media creator tools, and big tech platform moves. Plus, TikTok’s new artist hub and Spotify’s plans to grow its video library.
EU artists hit €1.7bn on Spotify
Artists across the EU earned a record-breaking €1.7 billion from Spotify in 2024. It’s the first time this milestone has been reached, with the figure marking a 15% YoY increase – almost doubling the royalties earned in 2020. Spotify’s European Loud & Clear data shares plenty of other impressive stats.
TikTok for Artists is launched
TikTok for Artists is now live, bringing together tools to help musicians promote their tracks, grow their audience, and understand performance. The platform includes access to analytics, profile tools, and promotional features like Add to Music App and Artist Tag.
Instagram adds recap tools
Instagram launched Recaps and Celebrations, two new features for creators to share key milestones with their followers. Recaps show top-performing posts, while Celebrations mark moments like reaching follower goals – all aimed at helping creators engage fans more easily.
Spotify expands playlist cover art feature globally
Spotify’s “Create Cover Art” tool is now available in 41 new languages and 63 more markets. Originally launched in beta last year for English-speaking users, the mobile-only feature lets listeners customise their playlist covers with stickers, text and graphics. The latest update also introduces a new summer-themed sticker pack to personalise playlists even further.
US publishing revenue reaches $7bn
Music publishing in the US grew 13.4% in 2024 to $7 billion – outpacing recorded music growth. Nearly $1.9 billion came from recovered royalties thanks to better audits and data. The rise means more money for songwriters and more investment in publishing deals.
YouTube Music adds lyric sharing
YouTube Music has added a feature that lets listeners share lyrics from songs directly in the app. It gives fans a new way to connect with music and artists, and helps boost visibility through social sharing.
TikTok’s US ban delayed again (again, again)
Shocking no one, Donald Trump signed another extension to TikTok’s deadline to sell its US business, giving the company more time to avoid a ban. It’s the third delay this year, extending uncertainty for creators and rights holders on the platform. Will a deal ever actually be made?
EU investigates UMG’s $775m Downtown deal
The European Commission has launched an investigation into Universal Music Group’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown’s publishing catalogue. The inquiry will examine whether the deal could harm competition across Europe’s music market.
TikTok launches Fan Club feature
TikTok introduced Fan Club, a new feature that lets artists connect more directly with their most engaged followers. Artists can offer exclusive content and benefits, creating a tighter fan community within the app.
Spotify takes aim at YouTube with creator payouts
Spotify is offering big money to video creators through non-exclusive deals and a new Partner Program that rewards engagement from Premium users. Over 300,000 video podcasts are now on the platform, with some creators earning more than on YouTube. But big networks remain wary due to limited ad tools and analytics.